Pilot dies in plane crash near Aniak

Posted: Thursday, September 21, 2000

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- A 25-year-old pilot died Wednesday when his plane crashed about 60 miles southeast of Aniak, Alaska State Troopers said.

The pilot, identified as Brennan F. Newell, was the only person aboard the Cessna 207, according to trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson. He said a dog was believed to be on board but no sign of the animal was found at the wreckage site.

Newell was reportedly bird hunting Tuesday and remained overnight at the 47 Mile Creek Camp. A pilot with Inland Aviation, he was supposed to return to work in Aniak by 8 a.m. Wednesday, Wilkinson said.

A pilot in the area reported the wreckage after spotting the Cessna on the side of a hill with no apparent survivors, Wilkinson said. Weather restricted access to the crash site, but troopers contacted some hunters in the area who hiked to the crash and confirmed the pilot was dead, Wilkinson said.

The investigation was continuing Wednesday as authorities waited for the weather to improve and permit access to the crash site, Wilkinson said.